Name: Strawberry Poppyseed Salad at Home
Yield: 4

Strawberry Poppyseed Salad levels up your salad game with juicy strawberries, creamy avocado, crunchy almonds, and a poppyseed dressing you’ll want on everything.

author’s notes

Sweet, Creamy, Crunchy—My Panera-Inspired Salad!

When I lived in Ohio, I lived right next to a Panera, and I almost always ordered the same thing: Broccoli Cheddar Soup and the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad.

Once I moved, I had to recreate it—and this version seriously delivers.

My recipe keeps the strawberries, almonds, and classic poppyseed dressing but skips the extra fruit. I swapped in creamy avocado and feta instead. It’s simple, fresh, and so satisfying!

Ingredients for this recipe prepped and ready for straightforward assembly, including the fruit, dressing, almonds, avocado, feta, and lettuce.

Ingredients In Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Greens: Use spinach or a box of mixed greens—whatever you like best.
Strawberries: Slice just before serving so they stay fresh.
Avocado: Wait til it’s evenly ripe for the best creaminess. Dice right before adding.
Cheese: A block of feta has the best flavor. Crumble it straight into the salad.
Candied nuts: Cool fully, then break apart and toss in right before serving.

How To Make Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Almonds: Stir constantly so the sugar doesn’t burn; let cool before using.
Dressing: Blend first, then mix in poppy seeds so they stay whole.
Assemble: Layer greens, toppings, and dressing right before serving.

Dressing in a jar, ready to be drizzled over the strawberry poppyseed salad, with candied almonds prepped and ready to add.

Variations

Switch Things Up

Fruit: Try blueberries, blackberries, or orange segments.
Onion: Add diced or thinly sliced red onion for a little bite.
Cheese: Use goat cheese or skip the cheese altogether.
Dressing: Short on time? Use a store-bought dressing.
Nuts & Seeds: Swap in candied pecans or sunflower seeds.

What To Serve With Strawberry Poppyseed Salad

Add protein: Throw on some grilled chicken or steak
Serve with grains: Mix in cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make it heartier.
Enjoy It Panera Style: Serve with French bread or these quick dinner rolls.
Enjoy As A Side: Serve with lasagna or crispy chicken cutlets.

Storage

This salad is best fresh. Once it’s put together, the greens soften, the avocado turns brown, and the almonds lose their crunch.

To make ahead: Mix the dressing and store it in a jar in the fridge. Make the almonds early and keep them in a sealed container. Put the salad together right before eating.

Featured Comment

“I made this for dinner tonight. It’s satisfying! That dressing is especially divine! The candied almonds gave it nice crunch and sweetness. Will definitely make this again! Thanks!”
– Kristin